DO YOU WANT TO LEARN TO SEW THE LATEST FASHION WITH STYLE? IF SO THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU.
With lots of hints and tips I help you to produce a beautiful garment even if you have never sewn before.
Sewing is a wonderful adventure, and the garment you produce will not only fit you perfectly it will last a lifetime.

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Monday, 15 May 2017

How to sew your own Vogue coat

A Jaycotts.co.uk blog post showing you how to sew coats. Yes, it's easy!
This pattern is by Vogue

Do not be put off by making your own coat. It really is very easy if you follow a few simple tips. What is it that puts you off most? usually people say buttonholes.Well, this coat uses sew on poppers, so what could be simpler than that? a future post will feature a coat which fastens with a chunky metal zip.

I love coats and being able to sew your own means that you are not stuck with the same one all season, so I am currently making a few, this is just one of them!

This is a very warm wool blend fabrics which I picked up in one of the bargain bins but do have a look at their online store as they have lots of fabrics to choose from. Wool tweed is easy to sew, and very forgiving for beginners so it is a good choice.
There are some very nice Wool Boucle fabrics Wool blend Boucle Fabric at Abakhan Fabrics
If you are new to sewing then I would choose something without a definite pattern on it so that you need not worry about pattern matching.

This is the finished coat

The pattern is Vogue and it is obtainable from jaycotts.co.uk Vogue 8933 at Jaycotts.co.uk It is fairly straightforward, the only time you need to take care is when it comes to attaching the facing at the back, but we will come to that later.
Pre shrink your fabric with plenty of steam from a hot iron and a pressing cloth. leave to dry.

Patterns seem to have the actual measurements (which is the wearing ease allowed for each size) printed on the actual pattern these days so before you even reach for a pair of scissors search through the pattern sheets until you find something which looks like the above picture. The actual measurement together with the guide on the pattern envelope will help you to decide which size is best for you

It is necessary to transfer all the pattern markings onto the fabric and with thick fabrics the best way to do this is to use tailors tacks It is available here Guttermann Tacking thread it is very cheap and because it is made from 100% cotton, which is rough to the touch, it stays in place until you remove it.

You will need a new sewing machine needle for your machine sewing machine needles I would recommend a 14 or even a 16 depending on the thickness of your fabric.
You will also need some woven interfacing woven interfacing It is important to use the correct interfacing so that the weight of the fabric is supported.These days iron on interfacing is available which.makes life easier. When I was at college my fingers used to bleed because we had to use a prick stitch to attach the interfacing and to mould the fabric into something three dimensional.

prepare the shoulder darts by stitching long the marks made earlier with your tailors tacks.

stay stitch the corners where marked and clip diagonally right up to the stitches.

The pattern instructions are very clear at explaining how to stitch the shoulder seams so follow them exactly.

When it comes to stitching the pockets in place I prefer to use a cotton fabric instead of lining fabric for the back of the pocket - unless I am using satin of course! Cotton is stronger than taffeta lining and I want strength in my pockets! for that same reason I stitch the pocket bag twice for strength.
Once the pockets are in place stitch the side seams

when cutting out your lining you need to form a pleat at the centre back for wearing ease.A lining which is snug will split in wear.so position your back lining pattern piece ( whch in this pattern is the back pattern piece) one inch away from the fold ofthe fabric.press the fold in place . Then stitch along the fold-line for about four inches starting at the top. leave the bottom to see later how much ease you need.

Press, do not iron the interfacing onto the front facings.Use a hot iron and a damp cloth always - never press directly onto fabric when using wool. Keep the iron in one place lifting it and moving to the next spot without sliding the iron
join the facing to the side lining .press ( Press every seam as you go is the rule for this project)
Then stitch the dart as before. This is the only difficult part of the pattern so take your time and if you want to you can stitch it in sections. This is where you will appreciate all the tailors tacks you put in earlier.
stitch the side seams in the lining.

We now need to join the lining to the outer shell. Starting at the top pin together. marking the turning points with an erasable pen to make sure that the corners are neat continue pinning the sides.
when you are satisfied stitch from one front right round the top and down the other side.Again you ma do this in stages if you prefer.Starting with the top edge

Trim the interfacing away from the edge as close to the stitching as you possibly can. Then trim and grade (layer) the seams to get rid of as much bulk as possible. Trim the corners off and clip into the curves. Press and use clips to hold the edges together. I love these Wonder clips instead of pins Clover Wonder clips they come in various sizes and quantities and are indispensable for any sewing job. Do try them!

This is the coat so far. Sleeves next! In preparation hand stitch the lining to the coat around the armholes within the seam allowances
Stitch the sleeve and lining seams and run a basting stitch along the top of each sleeve and lining piece so that they can be eased into place.

To stabilise the sleeve edge I like to use some iron on seam stabiliser along the seam line but this is optional. This is the product Seam tape interfacing It gives a clean edge to sleeves and hems.

Stitch the sleeves in place, using the basting threads to ease the sleeve in place evenly. Machine carefully and press.Try on and insert shoulder pads if you are using them . These are set in shoulder pads, if your pattern has a raglan sleeve there are different ones to use , but in this pattern we needSet in shoulder pads Tack them loosely but firmly in place so that they do not move in wear.
Pin the sleeve lining in place and slipstitch it to the coat lining

Machine stitch the bottom corners along the seam line and using your blind hem foot . They are available for most machines, Bind stitch foot Give jaycotts a call to find the one for your machine
stitch the sleeve hems as well.
Turn up the lining hems pushing them away from the edge so that the lining s slightly loose and does not pull in any way. Slip stitch neatly in lace.

Using the tailors tack markers, checking first that they still line up correctly, sew large poppers to the coat making sure that no stitches show on the right side.
You need at least 15mm sized poppers sew in poppers
check for loose threads, give it a final press and be proud of all the money you have just saved by making your own wonderful coat!

This stye is very different with the asymmetrical line throughout. The poppers - you can use buttons instead if you want to, or non - sew poppers. The whole point of sewing is that you make the garment your own.

The design called for hooks and eyes to hold the collar together but I did not use them as i knew I would never wear the collar fastened up - it is too large for my frame, but add them if you like the look.

This is my selfie taken whilst writing this blog. Thankyou for reading it. I hope that I have inspired you to make your very own coat.

For any questions about sewing machines or any other products complete this contact form Contact Jaycotts or ring them during office hours on 01244 394099

I have sewn all my life and I am passionate about passing on my vast knowledge of sewing to others as I feel these skills could easily be lost. Crafts are not taught so much in schools now instead we buy cheap fashion items which are only worn a few times and end up on landfill sites which is bad for our planet. When you sew you are creating a bespoke garment which fits you perfectly and will last a lifetime. How wonderful it feels when you are complemented on your new dress and you proudly say " Thank you, I made it myself"